Unexpected Places of Hard Things
Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for being a follower of my Writing Tips Blog and/or my Doing the Best We Can Blog.
You haven’t heard from me in a bit.
Because you are my friends and followers, I want to be transparent with you. I am in the unexpected hard place of going through a divorce, a place I never thought I’d be.
When I told one friend, she said to me, “I know you are a woman who loves God. I know you want to do what God wants you to do. That’s all I need to know.”
Her grace brought tears to my eyes.
So maybe this holiday season has you in an unexpected place of a hard thing.
The holidays will look different from the way they’ve looked in the past.
You’ll be triggered by all kinds of things.
You’ll mourn losses and wish for the way things were or for them simply not to be so challenging.
You might struggle to find a glimpse of hope or happiness.
And that’s the way things are with unexpected hard places. Surprise, surreal, sorrow, sadness. These are words you’re now familiar with. And probably wish you weren’t.
Another friend said, “Yes, you made the choice to get divorced, but you are still grieving.”
So if you find yourself in the unexpected place of a hard thing, go ahead and let yourself grieve. Feel what you feel and tell Jesus all about it. And find happiness too.
That’s what I’m discovering – most of life right now is AND living. I’m sad, AND I’m so happy the future is going to be different. I’ve got some regrets about the past, AND I’m looking forward to making different choices in the future. I sometimes question God, AND I cling to Him for strength and comfort.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
One big thing I’m thankful for – each of you. Thank you for being here. I LOVE what I do as a writer, writing coach, consultant, and editor. Nothing makes me happier than partnering with writers to help their dreams come true.
~ Melanie
I love you, friend. Praying that God’s comfort sustains you in this year of hard firsts. ❤️
Thank you, my friend. Love you and miss you!
Melanie, thinking of you and sending you a virtual hug. God’s got you and he’s singing over you.
Aw, I love to think of the songs He’s singing. Thank you for reaching out, Rachel!
Melanie. So sorry. This year has been a hard one for me, and I know the holidays will be hard, but your price reminded me that I can still have joy tossed in. Life doesn’t have to be all hard or joy. It can be both. Tucking you in my prayers.
Know you are loved and prayed for dear friend!!
Thank you, sweet friend. I feel it!
I miss you and hope you are here soon!
I’m so sorry for what you are going through. Thanks so for being transparent to encourage others, even as you grieve. May God richly bless you and your future. He has a plan!
Amen and Amen! Thank you for your kindness and encouragement!
Thank you for your transparency. Praying for God to hold you close.
I felt like God led me to do that, be transparent, but it wasn’t easy!
So thank you for your comments and prayers!
You, my friend, are a strong, faithful follower of Him! Continue to lean on your inner circle, take the quiet time for yourself, grieve and be thankful. And you will probably be doing these things on any given day – maybe several times a day! I know I am thankful for you and your sisterly love. Happy Thanksgiving my sweet sister in Christ!!
Thank you for being one of my biggest cheerleaders and supporters!
Thankful for you!
Melanie, wishing I could wrap you in a hug. It does get better. I’ll be praying for you this holiday season.
Thank you so much, Kathy! Your words encouraged me when I worked on your manusript.
I didn’t hear back from you – so let me now if you need anything else from me.
Melaie
Melanie, you are demonstrating grace found in hard places through the loving care of our Savior, Jesus Christ. You continue to walk Godly, before and after your hard place. That is what we are called to do. We don’t always understand or like the journey we are traveling, but we will never travel alone. God is ever-present, even in hard places.
I pray you feel the hugs and prayers being sent your way today.
May God continue to bless you,
Jackie Freeman
Jackie,
Thank you so much for your gracious words and prayers!
Mel, I’m so sorry! I’m sending you love and prayers! Hoping the joy this holiday season outweighs the sadness! Love you!!
Hi Joanne,
Thank you for your sweet words! I would love to see you!
I will be in NPB 12/1-12/8.
I’m going to try to see Martha.
I love you my friend and am praying for you.
Thank you, Ginny. So good to hear from you
and so appreciate prayers.
Thank you for sharing this Melanie! I have always found comfort in your thoughts and words! I’m sorry to hear about your hard times and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers! This past year has brought our own hard times and I appreciate this post! Love to you and your family!
Hi Cheryl,
It means so much to me that you reached out. I’m sorry for your hard places but hope you’ve felt God’s nearness.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Melanie I am so sorry to hear this. I miss you ! Praying for you
Thank you, Lisa. So good to hear from you and appreciate your prayers so much.
I know what divorce feels like, it hurts everyday. What I can tell you is that God will carry you through your grief. Everyone reaches the other side in their own pace. It still hurts after 8 yrs., during the holidays you think of the what if’s. Deep down you know it wasn’t going to change or work. It still hurts cause I wanted things to be good. God is my rock, he helps me during the bad days and enlightens me during the good days. Jesus is reason for Christmas and I put my faith in Christ because he did so much for us. The marriage is over but the memories will always be there. Let God take you on a better Journey that no one can compare to. Love you Sister in Christ. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!!! You deserve the best…..
Rhonda, Thank you so much for taking the time to respond. I literally just said that to someone! He is so good.